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Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew claims former owner Fergus McCann deserves as much praise as any player down the ages.

Last Updated: 27/02/14 5:58pm

Charlie Mulgrew: Full of praise for Fergus McCann

Tuesday marks 20 years since McCann completed his takeover of a club that was close to going out of business after an unpopular board had clung on to power for too long.

The Canada-based Scot transformed the club on and off the park.

He devised a redevelopment of Celtic Park that made the stadium one of Europe's best arenas, and launched a share issue that was backed enthusiastically by fans and put the club on the road to the financial stability they enjoy now.

He also oversaw a major improvement on the park which helped Celtic stop Rangers from setting a new Scottish record of 10 consecutive titles.

McCann made a major profit when selling his shares at the end of his five-year plan but is viewed as a saviour among many Celtic fans, Mulgrew included, and his contribution will be marked by the club on Saturday when the Scottish Premiership leaders host Inverness.

"As a supporter myself I'm very thankful for what he did for this club," Mulgrew said. "To think we were on the brink of liquidation... the job he did was massive.

"It maybe wasn't appreciated at the time by all the fans but now you realise what a job he has done."

Mulgrew was just turning eight when McCann took over but was aware of the impact he made.

However, he feels time has further boosted the reputation of the businessman, who was booed by many fans when he unfurled the league flag in 1998, amid controversy over the departure of title-winning boss Wim Jansen.

"I remember the stadium getting built," Mulgrew said. "Maybe I didn't appreciate it at the time but when you look back now you can't thank him enough.

"He has done as well for this club as any player has ever done.

"I'm sure all the fans that maybe booed him before realise what he has done. At the time I didn't know much about it but when you look back you realise how stupid that was."